Cabo San Lucas on a Budget? Yes, You Can! 10 Tips to Save in Paradise
- Rubén
- Jul 30, 2025
- 4 min read
When you think of Cabo San Lucas, you probably picture luxury yachts, exclusive resorts, and ocean-view dinners that cost a fortune. And while that side of Cabo certainly exists, there's a secret that many savvy travelers have discovered: enjoying this Mexican paradise doesn't have to empty your bank account.
Cabo is a surprisingly versatile destination where the majesty of the desert and the sea is within everyone's reach. You just need to know a few local tricks to stretch your budget to the max without sacrificing fun and adventure.
Here is the definitive guide with 10 practical tips to make your trip to Cabo San Lucas unforgettable and, most importantly, affordable.
1. Move Like a Local: Use the "Suburcabos" Bus
Transportation costs can add up quickly, especially if you rely on taxis. The cheap and efficient alternative is the public bus that connects Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, known locally as the "Suburcabos."
The Route: This bus travels the entire 20-mile Tourist Corridor, with convenient stops at popular beaches like Chileno and Santa María.
The Cost: For a tiny fraction of what a taxi costs (usually around $40-$50 Mexican pesos per trip), you can easily move between the two towns.
How to Use It: The bus stops are clearly marked along the main highway. Simply wave the bus down with your hand and pay the driver your fare in cash (preferably in pesos). It's a local experience in itself!
2. Eat Well Without Breaking the Bank: Discover Culinary Gems
The true soul of Baja's cuisine isn't found in five-star restaurants, but in its vibrant and delicious local eateries. To keep your budget in check, walk a few blocks away from the marina and look for the taquerías and "loncherías" (small, family-run diners) where the locals eat. There, you'll find authentic fish and seafood tacos, fresh ceviches, and daily set menus at prices that will let you splurge later in the night.
3. Enjoy Paradise's Free (or Almost Free) Activities
The best part of Cabo is its natural beauty, and admiring it is completely free!
Beach Days: Spend the day on spectacular public beaches. Medano Beach is the heart of the action, perfect for swimming. For a quieter experience and excellent snorkeling (bring your own gear), visit Chileno Beach or Santa María Beach.
A Stroll Through the Marina: Dedicate an afternoon to walking around the Cabo San Lucas marina. You can admire the luxurious yachts, watch the fishermen return with their catch of the day, and, best of all, see the families of sea lions lounging on the platforms.
Visit Amelia Wilkes Square: The heart of Cabo San Lucas is this charming public plaza. It's the perfect place to sit on a bench and observe local life.
4. The Best-Kept Secret: Travel in the Off-Season
Avoiding the high-season crowds (December to April) is the number one trick for saving money. Consider traveling during the shoulder or low season (May-June and October-November) to find much lower prices on flights and accommodations.
5. Shop Smart: Souvenirs and Supplies
Avoid the tourist-trap souvenir shops. Look for local artisan markets for fairer prices. To buy water, snacks, or sunscreen, go to large supermarkets like La Comer or Soriana, where the prices are much more reasonable.
6. Pay in Pesos, Not Dollars
Although almost every place accepts U.S. dollars, the exchange rate you're offered will almost always be unfavorable. Get Mexican pesos from an ATM located inside a bank or supermarket to get the best exchange rate.
7. Take Advantage of Happy Hour!
Many bars and restaurants in the Medano Beach area have "happy hours," often with 2-for-1 deals on beers and cocktails. It's the perfect plan to enjoy the afternoon and pre-game for the night without overspending.
8. Book Tours Directly and Compare
You can often get a better price if you contact tour operators directly at the marina. Take a walk, compare prices for the same excursion, and ask exactly what's included.
9. Pack the Essentials to Avoid Unnecessary Purchases
Make sure you pack enough biodegradable sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle. This will save you money and prevent you from buying basic items at inflated tourist prices.
10. Choose Your Accommodation Strategically
Consider budget-friendly options like small hotels in the downtown area or vacation rentals. Being within walking distance of the action and having a kitchen will save you a fortune on transportation and meals.
The Perfect End to the Night: Finish the Party at El Squid Roe
After a day of saving money and enjoying the natural wonders of Cabo, all that extra cash has a destination: the night. And in Cabo San Lucas, the night has a first and last name: El Squid Roe.
Don't mistake it for a simple bar; it's an institution, a chaotically fun experience spread across three floors of pure energy. Forget elegant chairs and formal tables. Here, you'll find wooden bleachers, signs with hilarious phrases hanging everywhere, and an atmosphere where anything can happen. The waiters, armed with tequila spray tanks on their backs, make sure the party never stops, while the DJ spins hits that will make you dance nonstop.
Ending your night at El Squid Roe isn't just going to a bar, it's living the wild, carefree spirit that made Cabo famous. It's the perfect place to spend those pesos you saved during the day and leave with a story that you probably won't be able to tell in full detail. It's the perfect ending to a perfect day in paradise!
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